Monday, May 7, 2012

Judge Removed For Pursuing Unwanted Romance With Attorney

In a matter involving confidential complaints, the Delaware Supreme Court has ordered the removal of a family court judge, one day after his pension entitlement vests.

The complaints alleged that the judge had "attempted to establish an inappropriately close social relationship with a young female attorney (Complainant #1)" who regularly appeared before him. Complainant #2 was the chief judge of the family court.

After "[e]nergetic efforts to resolve the complaints failed," the matter was heard by a Board of Examining Officers appointed by the Court. The board found that the judge had engaged in ex parte communications with Complainant #1 and "after developing and expressing romantic feelings for [her], continued to preside over cases in which she participated."

The Court:

Mere social contacts with Members of the Bar, including those who appear before judges, alone do not constitute a violation of the Delaware Judges' Code of Judicial Conduct. But, where those contacts rise to the level of personal and emotional attachments, no matter how unrealistic, one-sided, and unreciprocated, judges must take steps to preserve public confidence in their integrity and impartiality. Here, Respondent, despite clearly rebuffed overtures, continued to pursue a relationship and presided over cases in which Complainant #1 appeared.

The board did not find that the judge's decisions were impacted by his interest in Complainant #1.

The judge may not take vacation days prior to his removal. He must pay up to $10,000 of Complainant #1's therapy bills and 75% of her reasonable counsel fees. 

His judicial term expires on November 1, 2012. (Mike Frisch)

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2012/05/in-a-matter-involvingconfidential-complaints-the-delaware-supreme-court-has-ordered-the-removal-of-a-family-court-judge-th.html

Judicial Ethics and the Courts | Permalink

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